Population

Service age groups

About this topic

Service age groups divide the population into broad life-stage bands such as children, young adults, working-age adults, and older people. The groupings are designed to reflect typical demand for age-based services and facilities rather than exact five-year cohorts.

This view is useful for planning childcare, schools, recreation, aged services, and other community infrastructure. It works best alongside five year age groups, household type, and dwelling data, which add more detail about who is living in an area and how needs may change over time.

Interpretation notes

  • This is a derived grouping rather than a direct Census question, so the age bands are planning-oriented summaries built from standard age data.
  • Percentages relate to the total population; use five year age groups when exact cohort detail matters.

Key insight

In 2021, Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69) was the most common category among residents in Northampton (S), accounting for 19.6% (632 people). This share was higher than Regional WA (12.4%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Seniors (70 to 84), which increased by 125 people and 4.2 percentage points.

Section overview

Age structure - Service age groups

Northampton (S) - Total persons (Usual residence)

This table summarises service age groups for Northampton (S) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Regional WA and change since 2016.

Age structure - Service age groups snapshot

2021 distribution by category for Northampton (S), with comparison markers for Regional WA.

Northampton (S)
Regional WA

Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)

2021 count

130

% of total

4.0%

Change from 2016

-0.5pp

Primary schoolers (5 to 11)

2021 count

252

% of total

7.8%

Change from 2016

0.0pp

Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)

2021 count

162

% of total

5.0%

Change from 2016

-0.7pp

Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)

2021 count

136

% of total

4.2%

Change from 2016

-1.0pp

Young workforce (25 to 34)

2021 count

251

% of total

7.8%

Change from 2016

+0.4pp

Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)

2021 count

517

% of total

16.0%

Change from 2016

-1.8pp

Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)

2021 count

505

% of total

15.6%

Change from 2016

-1.9pp

Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)

2021 count

632

% of total

19.6%

Change from 2016

+0.5pp

Seniors (70 to 84)

2021 count

553

% of total

17.1%

Change from 2016

+4.2pp

Elderly aged (85 and over)

2021 count

82

% of total

2.5%

Change from 2016

+0.6pp

Data table

Service age groups for Northampton (S). Age structure - Service age groups. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional WA.

Service age groups for Northampton (S). Age structure - Service age groups. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional WA.
Service age groups for Northampton (S). Age structure - Service age groups. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional WA.
Category20212016Change
Count%Regional WA%Count%Regional WA%Countpp
Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)1304.0%6.0%1494.5%6.6%-19-0.5pp
Primary schoolers (5 to 11)2527.8%9.5%2597.8%9.8%-70.0pp
Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)1625.0%7.6%1905.7%7.4%-28-0.7pp
Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)1364.2%6.7%1715.2%7.0%-35-1.0pp
Young workforce (25 to 34)2517.8%12.5%2447.4%13.6%+7+0.4pp
Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)51716.0%19.9%59017.8%20.8%-73-1.8pp
Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)50515.6%13.7%58117.5%14.1%-76-1.9pp
Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)63219.6%12.4%63319.1%11.3%-1+0.5pp
Seniors (70 to 84)55317.1%10.1%42812.9%7.8%+125+4.2pp
Elderly aged (85 and over)822.5%1.7%641.9%1.5%+18+0.6pp
Total3,227100.0%100.0%3,319100.0%100.0%-920.0pp